“You just have to keep your composure,” Wishart said. “Keep a cool-and-collected mind-set and take care of the ball while guys are just jumping in your face, double-teaming you, and keep your head up.”

The Tigers (20-11) led by nine points at the break and were seemingly in control throughout, completing their second upset in as many days after bouncing third-seeded Mankato East in the quarterfinals.

Austin had played in three of the past five state title games. The Packers (27-3) were the second Class 3A power to go down Thursday after six-time defending champ DeLaSalle was ousted by Columbia Heights.

“Quite frankly, I thought they were going to have to play at a high level to beat us, and they did,” Austin coach Kris Fadness said. “This is basketball. This is what happens. All you have to do is watch the NCAA tournament to understand that this type of stuff happens.”

Jace has covered a slew of sports since he joined the Pioneer Press in May 2015, but his primary duty is covering high schools. Jace enjoys the beat, even though he's been mistaken for a student on multiple occasions.

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